Mint Chocolate Protein Puppy Chow (Easy Holiday Snack Mix)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.
This Mint Chocolate Protein Puppy Chow gives you that classic crunchy, chocolatey snack mix with a festive mint twist from Andes mints, plus a little protein boost from chocolate protein powder. It's no-bake, ready in about 20 minutes, and perfect for holiday parties, cookie trays and gifting.
If you love this one, be sure to check out my original Protein Puppy Chow too!
Quick Look: Mint Chocolate Protein Puppy Chow
- 🕒 Total Time: 20 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 12 (⅓ cup each)
- 📊 Calories: 218
- 💪 Protein: 7g
Craving more mint chocolate? Try my Mint Chocolate Protein Balls next! They're made with the same Andes mints.
Why You'll Love This Mint Chocolate Protein Puppy Chow
- Mint in Every Bite: Half the Andes melt right into the chocolate coating, and the other half get tossed in at the end, so you get mint flavor in every bite plus those pretty green pieces.
- A Little Protein Boost: Chocolate protein powder replaces some of the powdered sugar, so this snack mix has about 7 grams of protein per serving and keeps you satisfied a little longer.
- Easy and Giftable: No oven, no fancy equipment. Just melt, mix and shake! Pack it in jars or treat bags for neighbors, teachers and coaches.
For another festive mint treat, try my Fudgy Peppermint Brownie Cookies!
Select Ingredients
- Rice Chex: The classic puppy chow base. It's light and crunchy and holds the coating perfectly.
- Almond butter: I use almond butter instead of peanut butter here. Peanut butter has a strong flavor that can overpower the mint, while almond butter lets the mint chocolate flavor shine. Cashew butter works too!
- Andes Crème de Menthe baking chips: These are already chopped, which saves time. You can usually find them in the baking aisle around the holidays. Chopped regular Andes mints work too.
- Chocolate protein powder: This gives the coating a rich chocolate flavor and a protein boost. Every brand is a little different, so use one you already like the taste of.
- Powdered sugar: Just enough to give you that classic sweet puppy chow coating.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Tips & Variations
➡️ Melt in short bursts: Microwave the coating in 30-second intervals and stir each time. Chocolate and Andes can scorch quickly!
➡️ Fold gently: Use a large spatula and fold the cereal gently so you coat every piece without crushing the Chex.
➡️ Let it cool before shaking: Letting the coated cereal cool for about 10 minutes helps the protein powder and powdered sugar stick without clumping.
➡️ Add the Andes last: Toss in the remaining Andes pieces after shaking so they stay whole and you can see them.
➡️ Want it more festive? Add a handful of crushed candy canes with the Andes for extra holiday color and crunch.
➡️ If the coating tastes chalky: Every protein powder is different. Sift in 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, or swap a little of the protein powder for more powdered sugar.
How To Make This Mint Chocolate Protein Puppy Chow
Step 1: Add the Chex to a large bowl and line a baking sheet with parchment. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the almond butter, chocolate chips and ¼ cup of the Andes in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Stir in a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Pour the coating over the cereal and gently fold until every piece is evenly coated.
Step 3: Spread the coated cereal on the baking sheet and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Mix the protein powder with the powdered sugar.
Step 4: Transfer coated cereal to a large zip-top bag, add the chocolate protein powder and powdered sugar mix, seal and shake until fully coated. Or mix directly into a bowl with coated Chex if you're short on time. Top with Andes pieces.
Make It a Holiday Gift
This Mint Chocolate Protein Puppy Chow makes the cutest homemade gift! Scoop it into mason jars, cellophane treat bags or holiday tins and tie with a ribbon. It's perfect for teachers, coaches, neighbors and cookie exchanges.
Recipe FAQs
It's still a treat, but swapping some of the powdered sugar for chocolate protein powder and using almond butter gives it about 7 grams of protein per serving. That makes it a more satisfying holiday snack than the classic version.
You can, but the peanut butter flavor will compete with the mint. If you love peanut butter, check out my original Protein Puppy Chow instead!
Yes, but you'll lose some of the chocolate flavor. Chocolate protein powder gives you that rich mint chocolate taste.
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. It's extra good cold, and the Andes pieces hold their shape better chilled.
Check out my meal planning app Wholesome Meals Made Easy for more easy, healthy recipes your whole crew will actually love. It's like having a dietitian in your back pocket - quick, balanced, and family-approved!
Other Healthy-ish Holiday Treats to Try
If you tried this Mint Chocolate Protein Puppy Chow or any other recipe on my site, please leave a rating and comment below! Thanks for visiting!
Mint Chocolate Protein Puppy Chow
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- ½ cup almond butter or cashew butter
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup Andes Crème de Menthe baking chips for melting
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup chocolate protein powder
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup Andes Crème de Menthe baking chips or chopped Andes mints, for tossing in
Instructions
- Prep the cereal: Add the Chex to a large bowl. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Melt the coating: Microwave the almond butter, chocolate chips and ¼ cup Andes in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Stir in the salt.
- Coat the cereal: Pour the coating over the cereal and fold gently until evenly coated, without crushing the Chex.
- Cool: Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then mix the protein powder and powdered sugar.
- Shake: Transfer coated cereal to a large zip-top bag, add the protein powder and powdered sugar mix, then seal and shake until fully coated.
- Fold in the mints: Pour into a bowl and gently toss in the remaining ¼ cup Andes.
Notes
- Melt carefully: Microwave in 30-second intervals and stir each time so the chocolate doesn't scorch.
- Cool before shaking: Letting the coated cereal cool for 10 minutes helps the coating stick without clumping.
- Nut butter swap: Cashew butter works in place of almond butter. Peanut butter works too, but it will overpower the mint.
- Holiday version: Add ¼ cup crushed candy canes with the Andes pieces.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Nutrition: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on the specific brands and ingredients used.
